Jiffy Ice Auger Problems

[Guest]

I bought a new Jiffy Legend 3 h.p. ice auger about 11 months ago. It did run well enough to even drill a single hole in the ice even after trips to two different service centers. I had to bring it to a factory service center because the retailer wouldn't do anything. Earlier this winter I ended up talking directly with somebody at the factor who promised a new power head if I sent my old one in. I sent in the power head, only to receive the same one with a new carb a week later. The auger now cuts holes, but won't idle at all.

Has anybody else had problems with new Jiffy augers? I fished twice this winter with the Eskimo Shark and a 2 h.p. Lazer, both of which ran smoother, started easier, and drilled about twice as fast as my new Jiffy. I'll never buy anything from Jiffy again and would not recommend one to anybody. My Jiffy would make a nice, black & yellow boat anchor, but I guess I'm stuck with it. They are $350 pieces of iron.

[Guest]

I use a 6 inch lazer hand auger. People laugh at me when I get out of the car and start drilling.....I have raced a few guys with there Jiffy's...I win everytime...
Lazer power augers are GREAT. Good powerhead, and excellent cutting.
PCG

[Johnsonator]

I bought a jiffy legend 2hp 8" and think that it is slow. It seems to be boggy and underpowered. It almost wants to kill itself out because it digs too hard. I have to lift up on it so it keeps going. The auger is new and I was wondering if this happens because it is not broken in or if it is just that way. Any info is appreciated.

[Johnsonator]

I bought a jiffy legend 2hp 8" and think that it is slow. It seems to be boggy and underpowered. It almost wants to kill itself out because it digs too hard. I have to lift up on it so it keeps going. The auger is new and I was wondering if this happens because it is not broken in or if it is just that way. Any info is appreciated.

[TNT4ME]

JHF1, where did you buy the unit? Did they have a factoy certified service department? If not why buy it from them? Big retailers often times have the best prices around, but very seldom provide service. Once it's paid for and out the door your on your own.The stores that provide service have certified techs on staff and may charge a little more but when trouble arises they take care of you. Chances are when you sent it in the carb may have been faulty and thats why it was replaced. Jiffy has a great product line and its to bad you got a bad machine. I have had a Jiffy auger for over twenty years and never had a problem,and have cut into 2 to 4 foot ice alot. The newer machines are a little more finicky due to EPA regs on emissions. All small engine companies are having to meet tougher rules on emissions so alot of machines may seem boggy. Most are factory set to run but conditions may vary where you use it,and this takes us back to service. Most outlets that have service run all machines before they leave the store.
Sometimes all that is needed is little carb adjustment, air screw or idle adj. By the way I do have a small boat that I need an anchor for, color doesn't matter and I seen some the other day for around $40 if you don't have a use for it. good luck

[TNT4ME]

PCG, I almost forgot, "if I win everytime" is a challenge, this Jiffy owner is ready.My pond or yours?

[Guest]

PCG are you sure they are laughing at you drilling with a hand auger or is it something else?

I can see it now...In this corner TNT 4ME with his jiffy auger... In the other corner PCG with his 6" hand auger...

By the way, I got winner!!!

------------------
Kevin Neve's Devils Lake Guide Service
fishingminnesota.com/kevin-neve-guiding/
e-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 701-473-5411 or 701-351-4989
Minnewaukan ND

[Ferny]

Hey Guy's, I couldn't resist this one.
I won a Jiffy model 30, 3Hp auger at an ice fishing conest. I sold my 12+ year old reliable Strikemaster magnum III. The next year I take my brand NEW Jiffy out...what a finicky piece of junk! I finally got tired of the LOUD, HEAVY, hard starting, wouldn't idle worth a **** thing half way through the season and bought a Strikemaster Lazer 2HP. I have been happy ever since. I can tell a Jiffy starting a mile away, I laugh every time You couldn't pay me enough to own one again. I don't remember the old ones being like that? In fact I used to think they were better than a Strikemaster but not now.

Ferny's 2 cents.

[crappie todd]

those of you that have the jiffy ice auger and want to challenge the 6 inch lazer and pro crappie guide after or before he drills two holes to your one.?.........arm wrestle him. Ah, the advantage of the exersize in drilling your hole rather than pulling a rope.
See, I know pro crappie guide.
thanks guys. oh. your pond is ok for me too.

[Guest]

I just couldn't leave this one alone....I too bought a 10 inch, jiffy with the deicer blade, etc. It was the best unit out there in many peoples opinions. I bought it, it wouldn't stay running, and would always bog down. It was embarrassing to even use it. I called Jiffy, it was sent in 3 times had the gas line replaced, had carburator adjusted, yet it still wouldn't work, and each time (at my own cost) that I brought it in for "warranty work" I would get charged 7-11 bucks because they would replace something not covered. I hated that darn auger....and Jiffy never did anything to make it right.
This year I bought a strikemaster ultra mag...it also has had some problems, however....the BIGGEST DIFFERENCE is Strikemaster has done everything to make the purchase right, they have sent me replacement blades at a new pitch, and also a couple of screws that I had just asked to have to replace the old ones.....I guess getting to deal with "real" people willing to helpyou, is worth any price. I will stay with strikemaster, simply for their customer service. My dad has an old jiffy, that runs great, but for some reason the new ones just dont' cut it. Just my $.02 but I had to mention something...because I also had lots of trouble with my jiffy.

[TNT4ME]

Hey guys, I guess i am luckier than most, also I have the privilege of having a good friend that is a small engine tech. He makes sure my machine is tweaked to perfection.He did a carb kit for me last year (just because he wanted to).After doing the carb in the repair shop he leaves the machine outside to match the cold temps and then heads down to the river to test run and make final adj. (It is a model 30 that is close to 20 years old, nine inch blade) It seemed a little bit slow so he sped it a abit.He also runs a Jiffy and it purrs. All I do is drain gas at the end of season, fill with fresh at the beginning of the season, prime and pull. I did URL over the weekend, the ice was at least 2 feet thick, prime, choke, two pulls, four holes, didn't time it but looking back I know less than 15 seconds a hole(may have been 10 seconds), didn't die and idled way too sweet.Crappie todd I picked up on your pun about excerSIZE,(excercise)would be fun to see him drill. Keep on fishing. <(((((><

[This message has been edited by TNT4ME (edited 02-11-2002).]

[Guest]

I have a jiffy 30 that is about 5 years old.When i bought it it wouldn't run at all but i tweaked the carb and now its one of the best augers on the ice.It is a 10 inch and it cuts fast,with dull blades too.And a side note for those who don't know, strike master and jiffy use the same motors.

[Guest]

Laugh at me! please...!

[TNT4ME]

JHF1, I am still waiting to hear about that boat anchor of yours, I would take it off your hands if you don't have a use for it. Beaverboy I was glad to hear your auger runs good, was starting to think we were out numbered. happy drilling

[Guest]

I've got a good friend who has a Jiffy so old that the paint wore off and the tank is now silver. I bought one because the reliability is second to none. His old Jiffy as well as mine have never failed to start. If your having problems with the idle its a minor adjustment with a screwdriver. I'd put the Jiffy up against any auger out there.

Just my never to be humble opinion.

good luck

Ukes

[Guest]

As an AUTHORIZED TECUMSEH SERVICE CENTER, I read the above comments with interest and some thoughts that may find value to you.

First most commenenters talked about low engine power and sluggishness in starting and operating their ice auger. Since the new EPA emissions regulations were required of all small engine manufacturers, carburator settings may be required. MANY FIRST-TIME USERS OF PRODUCTS USING THE NEW EPA CERTIFIED ENGINES ARE NOT AWARE OF THE ENGINE CHANGES.

At the factory, the engines are adjusted to a best approximation to ice augering conditions, occassionally the setting may not exactly match your environment and a small adjustment is necessary. This situation is unusual but does happen.

On the 3hp Tecumseh engine (AV520), normally all that is required is an one-eighth turn adjustment counter-clockwise (richer) or clockwise (leaner). The carburator has adjustment screws with red caps that allow for this limited adjustability.

On the smaller 2hp Tecumseh engines (TC300), occasionally the idle adjust may need a tweek for smoother idle.

In either case, your local AUTHORIZED TECUMSEH SERVICE CENTER is trained to make these adjustmemts. SINCE ALL MAJOR ICE AUGER BRANDS USE TECUMSEH ENGINES, we are at your service.

Just call 1 (800) 558-5402 to locate the CENTERS nearest you. Also refer to your owners manual for many other helpful tip on power ice auger operations.

HAPPY FISING!!

[Guest]

I had the head gasket replaced on my 10 year old jiffy last week after two seasons of what I thought was just wear out. It had been losing compression for a while and wasn't running as good as it should. Now it starts half way through the pull with one hit on the primer bulb. It screams through the ice.
Gentlemen, starts your engines.

------------------
Kevin Neve's Devils Lake Guide Service
fishingminnesota.com/kevin-neve-guiding/
e-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 701-473-5411 or 701-351-4989
Minnewaukan ND

[Guest]

3rd year on my Strikemaster and it's never taken more than a couple pulls, and it idles like a dream. No complaints here especially with the double blade!!!

[kslipsinker]

Bought a new Jiffy Legend 2 HP with a 8" DIcer blade at the beginning of the season. It starts and runs great, drills like a champ. I drilled a dozen holes with minimal effort. The combination of light weight and great cutting ability make this one of the best units on the ice in my estimation. Can't see lugging one of those 3 HP power heads with a 10" blade. I am too old for that stuff.

[Matt D]

Thanks for the input TSC1. I've got a brand new 3hp 8" that I bought just before Christmas. I've noticed the same "sluggishness" that I've heard mentioned in several posts in the last 2 months, and those that have described it are obviously experiencing the exact same thing. My best guess at the time was carb settings and two observations I've made w/ mine have reaffirmed that. First: One time I was running it and it was acting "boggy" as usual. All of a sudden, it picked up RPM's and ran like a dream for about 15 seconds, punching through the ice like butter. Shortly after it quit -- OUT OF GAS! Second: Last weekend, the same scenario happened; boggy at first, then bingo off and we're runnin', then nothing. This time -- forgot to open the vent screw on the tank.

Synopsis: The two times it's run like it's supposed to were when it was starved for gas. In other words, anyone fluent in carb lingo knows it's set a bit too rich. Unfortunately, I didn't have anything romotely resembling a screwdriver along on the last trip to adjust it, but I'd wager my favorite ice rod & reel that a little tweek to lean it up will solve the problem. Poking around w/ my lawnmower, weed trimmer, snowblower, & outboards over the years tells me it's a safe bet.

[TNT4ME]

TSC1, Welcome to fishing minnesota forum, thanks for replying, good to see some technical info from an authorized service center. We often times are to busy comparing and boasting about our own brand to realize that most major companies use the same motor to power most augers, but it is fun to do so. Having been a satisfied Jiffy owner for many years I have really never paid attention to other brands to see what powered them. As MATTD mentioned there have been numerous posts the last couple of months refering to the same problems, and these affected many brands of augers. Once again TSC1 thanks for the technical info. p.s. for everyone that is going to tweak on thier carbs now, remember that there is a fine line between just right and to lean. If you go to lean you will learn that the word MELTDOWN doesn't just apply to nuclear reactors.

[This message has been edited by TNT4ME (edited 02-13-2002).]

[Guest]

TSC1 who is the best service rep in the Fargo/Moorhead area?

In 4 Jiffy's I have had only one rope bust and a recoil so I don't need one very often, but as soon as I say that, well you know what I mean, STUFF happens.

Be good info to have on hand.

Thanks

------------------
"Ed on the Red"
Backwater Guiding Service
[email protected]
fishingminnesota.com/ed-on-the-red/

[Iceboy]

I've always heard that the 3 HP engines are much more problematic than the 2 HP engines. I know my 10" 2HP LazerMag has run like a dream since I got it a couple of years ago, and no trouble at all for the 2 HP engine to push the 10" auger...

[This message has been edited by Iceboy (edited 02-13-2002).]

[Guest]

crappiecruisader,
Your Jiffy needs to be richened. My suggestion is to have the carb adjusted to be richer. It doesn't sound like a timing issue. Just my 2 cents.

[Guest]

TSC1- Great job!! I e-mailed Jiffy to inform them of this forum. You can't get this kind of feed back from even the best pro's!!! Welcome to the board, it's real informational!!!